Barking At Other Dogs

Wyatt took his first trip to the dog park (small dog area) yesterday, and he did so well that we revisited it again today. He's very sweet to all people, and balances playing with other dogs and playing independently. The only issue I've noticed thus far is that Wyatt will bark at other dogs for attention. He won't stop either, until they respond...and sometimes they don't, which really gets him going. I've noticed he does this on walks as well when we encounter other dogs. He will quietly and calmly sniff the other dog first, then when the other dog loses interest in him--he barks. I know Corgis are bossy, and that they will bark for attention...but it's not always appropriate (or pleasant). How can I correct him on this? I've been using the spray bottle for unwanted behaviors at home. Should I bring use the spray bottle in public as well?

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on February 12, 2012 at 1:35pm

Does he respond to "no" ? I would leash him and always go in the opposite direction when he ignores your no. That way he doesn't get what he wants when he barks.

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on February 12, 2012 at 1:47pm

I agree with Bev. Address this on a leash first with a firm "no". Also, the advice about turning and walking in the other direction is great too. Make it a "punishment" for barking, if he barks he doesn't get to interact with the dog, if he is quiet he gets to stay. You won't be able to fix this at the dog park unless he responds well to a "no" or "quiet". I wouldn't bring a squirt bottle to a dog park because you may end up offending other owners or accidentally startling the other dogs nearby if you squirt Wyatt at the park. If he absolutely won't listen to your no, then maybe bring a squirt bottle or can of pennies on your walk to get his attention. At the dog park, stay close to him. If he begins barking, leash him up and go out the gate and make him sit and be calm, then go back in. It will be a lot of work but other owners will thank you. I HATED when other dogs would just sit and bark in Franklin's face if Franklin didn't want to play and I hated even more when the owners wouldn't do ANYTHING to stop it. Even acting like you are correcting the behavior makes it less annoying lol. Also, if Wyatt behaves this way to the wrong dog, especially at a dog park where fights happen A LOT, he may get himself bit which is no fun for anyone.

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Permalink Reply by Chelsea and Wyatt on February 12, 2012 at 4:00pm

Yesterday, we told him "quiet" and when that didn't take we took him outside on his leash. We definitely just didn't let him get away with it. I'll start incorporating the "no" and walking in the opposite direction when he starts to bark for attention. Thank you for the advice!

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Permalink Reply by Beth on February 12, 2012 at 5:50pm

"Watch me" can also help, for situations where you don't want to leave.

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Permalink Reply by Chelsea and Wyatt on February 12, 2012 at 9:40pm

I'm happy to report that we returned to the dog park earlier today and Wyatt was much better. Towards the beginning of our visit, he was fixated on this 5 month old (ADORABLE) French Bulldog, named Puff. Wyatt barked at Puff at first and after some light wrestling, Puff gently but firmly let Wyatt know that he wasn't gonna have it. After that, they played very nicely. Wyatt was totally quiet but still very playful for the remainder of our visit there. The other owners encouraged me to let them work it out and it paid off.